DRIP under scrutiny as ORAL investigations reveal GH¢22m tax evasion

“In respect of DRIP, I can say with certainty that, working with the GRA, we have been able to establish that GH¢22 million in taxes was evaded,” he stated.

He explained that his office had earlier estimated possible tax evasion of GH¢38.7 million but could not make a definitive conclusion without GRA validation.

“As of July last year, I wrote to the GRA for confirmation. I am speaking with certainty now because just last week, the GRA confirmed the GH¢22 million figure,” he said.

Dr. Ayine also revealed that the company involved had acknowledged clearing some items under tax exemptions they did not qualify for—though he dismissed this justification as immaterial.

“Once you import goods and clear them into the national customs territory without paying duty when you ought to have paid, it means you have evaded taxes,” he stressed.

Beyond the tax component, the Attorney-General disclosed the discovery of an additional overpayment of US$2 million within the DRIP transactions.

“US$2 million has also been flagged, and I am going to pursue them for that amount because it is very clear from our evidence that they were overpaid,” he said.

He rejected claims that the overpayment might have been a clerical error, insisting that documentation from multiple government agencies confirms the discrepancy.

“We obtained invoices from the Ministry of Finance, the District Assemblies Common Fund, and the Public Procurement Authority, and compared them. That figure is confirmed by all the invoices — they were overpaid by US$2 million,” he noted.

Dr. Ayine said his office is weighing both civil recovery actions and potential criminal prosecution.

“I will insist on recovering the money. I am considering either taking a civil action to recover it or possibly bringing criminal prosecution,” he added.